Illuminate Your Holidays: A Comprehensive Walking Guide to London’s 2023 Christmas Lights

While I may not actively respond to direct messages anymore, I do observe the majority of them. The guide you’re about to read has garnered the highest number of requests, making it one of the most sought-after blogs. I’m delighted to bring it back for you.

Essential Items for Your Christmas Lights Walking Tour:

• Ensure you have a smartphone with map and data capabilities. Secure your valuables as pickpockets may take advantage of the bustling crowds.
• Bundle up in WARM clothes – don’t forget a hat, scarf, and gloves. In case you do, there are two large Primark stores along the way.
• Bring a power bank to keep your phone charged throughout the tour.
• Consider a scooter or buggy for kids; the walk isn’t easy, and a bike might not be the best choice.

This year, we started off at Marble Arch, then walked down to Duke Street, where you can see the lights outside Selfridge’s.

St. Christopher’s Place is literally right opposite Selfridges, where there are some more lovely lights.

From there, we walked through Gees Court, which took us onto Oxford Street—basically right opposite Bond Street station—where you’ll see the star lights adorning the entire stretch of Oxford Street.

From here, I would recommend taking a walk down South Molton Street, which usually features beautiful blue arches. However, this year, they’ve made some changes. Along the way, you’ll encounter some pretty lit-up Christmas trees and moving lights above your head.

Continue walking and turn right onto Brook Street, where Claridge’s Hotel always boasts a beautiful display outside.

After walking a bit farther, turn left onto Davies Street, where you’ll find the Hedonism Wines display. It was a little underwhelming for me this year, but still worth checking out as it’s on the route.

If you keep walking, you’ll soon come across Annabel’s. Before reaching there, you can turn right onto Mount Street to see the beautiful blue bows.

Witness the beautiful Christmas tree outside The Connaught, along with more of those stunning blue bows.

I’d recommend turning back the other way, then turning right to see the lovely display outside Annabel’s.

Stroll around Berkeley Square Gardens until you reach Bruton Street, then continue along to New Bond Street. At this point, you have the option to go left or right. Opting for the left, we discovered a couple of captivating displays, but more await toward the Piccadilly end.

Turning right again, we explored the ever-popular Cartier showcase and beyond.

On New Bond Street, renowned designer brands showcase extravagant displays.

Progress down the street until you arrive at Piccadilly, where the angelic lights illuminate the surroundings. Take a left turn to encounter Fortnum and Mason and additional enchanting lights.

Consider exploring Burlington Arcade; although closed during our visit, its interior is truly splendid.

Continue your journey down Piccadilly until you reach the expansive screens. Now faced with three options: turn left for Regent Street, proceed straight ahead to Leicester Square and onward to Covent Garden, or veer right onto Regent Street St James. While it’s possible to explore all three options, it does involve retracing your steps a few times.

Opting for a left turn onto Regent Street, you’ll encounter more mesmerizing angelic lights. This route offers an opportunity to visit Hamleys, and not far beyond, the alluring lights of Carnaby Street.

Circle back to the vicinity of the large screens, then proceed onto Regent Street St James for additional enchanting angelic lights. Journey all the way down to witness a splendid Christmas tree.

There are festive lights adorning Southbank, Sloane Square, and Kings Road. Although we didn’t have the chance to explore those delightful Christmas lights this year, they are waiting for you to enjoy.

Throughout your walk, you’ll encounter more lights that I haven’t highlighted – a deliberate choice to maintain an element of surprise. I trust you find this guide valuable and encourage you to share it with your friends and family.